The Best Valentine's Day Date Spots in State College

Everyone knows the restaurant is the most essential part of a Valentine’s Day date. While State College may not sport the number of restaurants that a major city would, there are plenty of eateries perfect for that Feb. 14 dinner.

Sketch Morton and Owen Cameros are two of only a few CommRadio writers in relationships. Here are their four favorite dinner spots for Valentine’s Day.

Owen

No. 4 Tadashi Japanese Restaurant

There is a saying that has become synonymous with date nights, in particular, Valentine’s Day date nights: “You can’t go wrong with sushi.”

And it's true, taking a significant other to sushi displays a refined taste, an appreciation for other cultures and a fat wallet.

Tadashi is the premier Japanese restaurant in State College. The menu contains some delicious authentic appetizers along with donburi and udon.

Tadashi’s specialty lies in its signature sushi rolls, which fuse fruit, fish, and flavor into a rice-filled roll.

Tadashi sits at four on the list because, sadly, some people don’t like fish, making it difficult to enjoy the eatery’s best dishes.

No. 3 Flour and Stone

Technically, five miles outside State College, Flour and Stone may sound unfamiliar to foodies in the area. The restaurant used to be called Pine Grove Hall, a combined restaurant and bar until the owners decided to move the restaurant next door and name it Flour and Stone.

Flour and Stone may have the best vibe on this list. It's quiet, romantic and the perfect place to have a heartfelt dinner with a loved one.

I’d describe the cuisine as modern American, with creative dishes that tantalize the taste buds. The menu isn’t extensive, but the entrees are reasonably safe, meaning even a picky eater can find something they enjoy.

The only downside to Flour and Stone is the location. Couples without a car on hand may want to consider a closer location or risk paying a premium for an Uber.

No. 2 The Tavern

The Tavern is the best upscale restaurant in downtown State College. The inside is aptly decorated, and one of the rooms features a beautiful fireplace that sadly is not in use anymore.

The food is superb. It’s impossible to go wrong with any entree on the menu.

The only downside is the price. A dinner for two will easily cost $100 or more.

No. 1 The Field

Located at the Toftrees Golf Resort, The Field is the perfect spot for high-quality farm-to-table burgers, sandwiches, delicious fries and hand-spun milkshakes.

The ambiance inside the restaurant is superb, with sculpted wood tables that make the restaurant feel energetic and refined.

While The Field specializes in burgers and sandwiches, the restaurant also has wings and salads.

There’s something for everyone at this establishment, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day spot.

Sketch

No. 4 The Corner Room

Right in the middle of downtown State College, the Corner Room stands out as one of the most recognizable destinations in town.

The Corner Room offers service all day, featuring a breakfast and dinner menu. The atmosphere is a perfect combination of upscale, but still very relaxed.

Only frequent the downstairs dining area, and you’ll have made a mistake. There is an upstairs common area that features its own bar and couches, creating a wonderful atmosphere to laze around and spend time with your loved ones.

No. 3 Happy Valley Brewing Co.

Featuring an exceptionally diverse menu, Happy Valley Brewing Co. provides plenty of options for a Valentine's day dinner and at fairly reasonable prices.

In the downstairs seating area is a low-key atmosphere, complete with a cozy bar and an abundance of home-town feel that’ll make you believe you’re in your friend’s basement.

Happy Valley Brewing is its own company, so it crafts every beer on tap and fills its menu with many selections.

No. 2 Texas Roadhouse

Are there more romantic settings to spend a Valentine’s day dinner? Perhaps. But few destinations in State College can offer you the food, the prices and the atmosphere that you’ll be awarded with at Texas Roadhouse.

A fairly unoriginal option, as this chain surely isn’t unique to the area, Roadhouse provides a warm aesthetic and quite astounding food to go along with it.

Any steak of your choosing, from porterhouse to ribeye to New York strip, is all on display here. Combine that with a loaded potato or a chicken Caesar salad; you can’t ask for a better meal.

No. 1 Gigi’s Southern Table

Outside of town along West College Ave lies Gigi’s Southern Table. This is your spot for a spice of Southern charm and an intimate and cozy interior.

Offering a dynamic menu with options ranging from seafood and burgers to spicy chicken and beer-battered tacos.

The bar deserves no less praise, featuring a rich selection of wines, imaginative cocktails, whiskey mixes, and beer.

Owen Cameros is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ohc5024@psu.edu.

Sketch Morton is a fifth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email sam7539@psu.edu.